Under the ‘Mukhyamantri Bal Ashray Yojana’, new child protection homes will be built in 10 districts including Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya

Lucknow : Under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Women Welfare Department has launched a significant initiative for the comprehensive development and protection of children. As part of this initiative, 10 new child protection homes will be established across various districts in the state, providing a secure and nurturing environment for children to grow into responsible citizens.

A budget of Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for the 2024-25 fiscal year under the Mukhyamantri Bal Ashray Yojana.

As per the scheme proposed by the Women Welfare Department, protection homes are to be established in Mathura, Prayagraj, Kanpur Nagar, Azamgarh, Jhansi, Amethi, Faizabad, Deoria, Sultanpur, and Lalitpur in the state. Each facility will have the capacity to house 100 children, ensuring that a maximum number of children can benefit.

The initiative will include one Government Children’s Home (Girls), one for Boys, seven Government Protection Homes (for teenagers), and a Place of Safety affiliated with the Juvenile Justice Board. These protection homes will provide not only residential facilities but also support for the children’s physical, mental, and emotional growth.

Acting on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, the Women and Child Development Department is working to integrate vulnerable children into the mainstream of society by providing them with a new start in these protection homes. These facilities will offer children essential support, including education, healthcare, mental health counseling, and life skills, in a safe and supportive environment.

The state government has allocated necessary funds for constructing these child protection homes, with the Yogi administration funding the entire project from its budget.

Additionally, operational expenses for these homes will amount to Rs 7.96 crore, covered under the Mission Vatsalya Yojana, with 60 percent funded by the central government and 40 percent by the state. A budget of Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for the 2024-25 fiscal year under the Chief Minister Bal Ashray Yojana.

To ensure high-quality construction and management, consultants have been selected through a tender process, guaranteeing the best possible services within these homes.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath aims for every child in the state to feel safe, valued, and supported. He emphasized that protecting children’s rights is a top priority, as they are the future of society. Under this initiative, specially trained staff dedicated to child welfare will be appointed, ensuring children’s rights, safety, and well-being. Services will be tailored to each child’s age and specific needs to support their mental and physical health.